5th June 2023,Mumbai: The film industry is in grief as Sulochana Latkar, a seasoned performer renowned for her iconic “mother” roles in Bollywood, has passed away at the age of 94. Having graced over 200 Hindi films and numerous Marathi productions, Sulochana left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Her remarkable contributions were recognized with the prestigious Padma Shri, a civilian honor.
Sulochana’s daughter, Kanchan Ghanekar, shared that her mother had been battling breathing difficulties and age-related health issues. She peacefully passed away at 6 p.m. today. The final viewing, known as antim darshan, will be held at her Prabhadevi residence, followed by her cremation at the Shivaji Park crematorium on Monday at 5:30 p.m.
Expressing condolences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “The passing of Sulochana Ji leaves a big void in the world of Indian cinema. Her legendary performances have enriched our culture and garnered fans from all generations. Through her cinematic legacy, she will continue to inspire. My sympathies go out to her family. Om Shanti.”
Madhuri Dixit also paid tribute, writing, “Sulochana Tai was one of the most adored and graceful actresses cinema has seen. Sangate Aika will always be my favorite movie of hers. She delivered standout performances in all her films. May she find serenity. I will miss our conversations. We will never forget your contribution to Indian cinema.”
Actor Riteish Deshmukh expressed his sorrow on Twitter, saying, “The news of Sulochana Didi’s passing is terribly painful. A heartfelt tribute to this brilliant actress who captivated fans in Hindi and Marathi films.”
Sulochana portrayed the motherly figures of numerous prominent actors, including Manoj Kumar, Dev Anand, and Mehmood. On her 86th birthday in 2015, Amitabh Bachchan paid her a visit, stating on his blog, “Happy 86th birthday to Sulochana Ji, who played my mother in countless films! I went to her house to extend my greetings. She is the mother of so many eminent men in Bollywood. We have shared screen space in films like Yaarana, Roti Kapda aur Makaan, and Faraar.”